Lighting fixture with a retractable sensor module and methods of operating the same

Abstract: In a second embodiment, the lighting fixture with a sensor module can be further fitted with a plug-in transmitter module. The transmitter module receives and re-directs a signal from the sensor module to activate a receiver product, including a chime or a lighting fixture, in a separate part of a building or an operation control room. The lighting fixture is independently operable, after the sensor module has been detached and a dummy cover is employed to close off the housing space of the internal holder. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a lighting fixture is provided with a housing space to receive a retractable sensor module. The housing space is provided with an internal holder with electrical circuitry to operate the lighting fixture. The internal holder is essentially cylindrical in shape, with one closed end. The closed end is provided with openings and slots for screw and wires. The internal holder allows for pan rotation of a retractable sensor module. The retractable sensor module includes a control module comprising a top cover, a lower cover and a printed circuit board sub-assembly inside, and a lens assembly. The printed circuit board sub-assembly comprises a power printed circuit board, a sensor printed circuit board, with a printed circuit board and a transmitter printed circuit board. The lens assembly constitutes dotted lenses. (end of abstract)

Agent: Botkin & Hall, LLP - South Bend, IN, US
Inventors: Yung Chih Chi, Ching-Chen Chen, Wei-Jen Ho, Kong Yeow Lai
USPTO Applicaton #: #20080068841 - Class: 362276 (USPTO)

Lighting fixture with a retractable sensor module and methods of operating the same description/claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080068841, Lighting fixture with a retractable sensor module and methods of operating the same.

Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Technical Field

[0002]The present invention relates generally to a controlled lighting fixture with a sensor module. It relates specifically to a retractable sensor module adapted for horizontal or vertical mounting on a lighting fixture, and methods of operating the same.

[0003]2. Background Art

[0004]A modern uncontrolled lighting fixture normally includes a lamp housing and a light inside. It is not adapted with any sensor module to control its lighting operation. A switch is normally provided, external to the lighting fixture.

[0005]In the case of security lighting and controlled lighting, a focusing spotlight or utility light is employed to direct its light beam in a predetermined direction, and a separate passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor device is electrically connected to the spotlight or other light. Sensor-controlled lighting apparatus is mainly used as outdoor lighting fixture to provide ambient light for residential house, apartment walkway, stairs, car porch, garden and such like, where the sensor detects motion in a comparatively dark environment.

[0006]Currently in the market, retailers have to carry stocks for controlled lighting fixtures and uncontrolled lighting fixtures separately. This can be considered as a financial burden to their operating costs. Furthermore, most saleable prior art lighting fixtures are of the uncontrolled type, and they may not be aesthetic to the eyes. Where the uncontrolled lighting fixture is acceptable to a consumer, the consumer does not have a choice of adding any sensor mechanism subsequently, once it has been installed. The consumer must purchase a separate new controlled lighting fixture to replace the uncontrolled lighting fixture. Often, the same lighting fixture is not readily available. The above situation is not convenient as well as cost effective. In the case of a controlled lighting fixture, the sensor is more or less permanently attached. In other words, the current practice of lighting fixture design compels a consumer to make an early decision on installing controlled or uncontrolled lighting fixture.

[0007]In a German Patent no. DE 20 2004 018 647, a sensor lamp with a lamp unit activateable in reaction to a sensor output signal of a motion sensor unit operating preferably on infrared basis is disclosed. The lamp unit is provided on a carrier for mounting the sensor lamp indoor or outdoor. The motion sensor unit is module-like. When the carrier is mounted, the motion sensor is configured such that it can be detached therefrom and comprises at least one adjusting element to be actuated manually, which can be actuated in the detached state of the motion sensor unit.

[0008]In a U.S. Pat. No. 6,844,555 B2, the patent discloses a covering and mounting structure for a motion detector having light emitting diodes and electronic adjustment controls. The structure can be cylindrical or non-cylindrical in shape, and disposed in pendant or standing-post arrangement. The structure includes a telescopic structure or an exterior cover for the selective covering. In one embodiment, the structure includes one downwardly viewing first motion detector lens and a laterally viewing second PIR motion detector lens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]The present invention has, therefore, as an object to allow a consumer to use the same lighting fixture, which they like, with or without a sensor module.

[0010]Another object of the invention is to provide a retractable sensor module, as an add-on part to a lighting fixture.

[0011]Yet, another object of the invention is to provide additionally a plug-in transmitter module to a lighting fixture fitted with a retractable sensor module.

[0012]These objects are achieved in that a lighting fixture is provided with at least one housing space to house optionally a retractable sensor module and a plug-in transmitter module. An internal holder with electrical contacts is disposed inside the housing space for the sensor module. The retractable sensor module includes a lens assembly and a control module, which also includes a printed circuit board sub-assembly which is a technically known technology. In an uncontrolled lighting situation, when the sensor module is removed, the wiring is short-circuited. The lighting fixture is then operable by a normal on/off switch. In a controlled lighting situation, the retractable sensor module is inserted into the internal holder and the retractable sensor module is adjusted by at least three external adjustment knobs on its side wall.

[0013]Other objects and advantages will become apparent following the disclosure of the invention in the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, the following description is given of two mounting orientations of a first embodiment of a lighting fixture to be fitted with an optional retractable sensor module. A second embodiment relates to a lighting fixture fitted with a retractable sensor module, further to be fitted with a plug-in transmitter module. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings.

[0015]FIG. 1 shows a to-be assembled view of a first embodiment of a lighting fixture, fitted with an internal holder, adapted for horizontal mounting of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 2 shows a to-be assembled view of a first embodiment of a lighting fixture, with an internal holder, adapted for vertical mounting of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 3a shows a to-be-assembled view of various components making up the internal holder to be fitted into a housing cavity in a lighting fixture as shown in FIG. 1 or 2.

[0018]FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the assembled internal holder as shown in FIG. 3a.

[0019]FIG. 4a shows a to-be-assembled view of various components making up a retractable sensor module in accordance with the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 4b shows a perspective view of the assembled retractable sensor module as shown in FIG. 4a.

[0021]FIG. 5a shows a to-be assembled view of the internal holder as shown in FIG. 3b and the retractable sensor module as shown in FIG. 4b.

Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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